The Irk Valley Junction rail crash occurred on 15 August 1953 at Collyhurst, just over a mile from Manchester Victoria station.
The leading electric coach struck and overturned the steam engine and smashed through the parapet wall.
Firstly the electric train passed the home signal at danger.
The absolute block system was in place, but was not being operated in accordance with the regulations.
An analysis of the records revealed that the signal boxes in this area had frequently operated outside the guidelines, although until the fateful morning without serious consequence.